Orland Park panel approves Dunkin' drive‑through at 16250 LaGrange Road

The Orland Park Plan Commission voted to approve a subdivision and site plan that will allow a drive‑through Dunkin' at 16250 LaGrange Road.

Planning staff told the commission the proposal subdivides the existing parcel to create a new lot for a 1,358‑square‑foot Dunkin' prototype with outdoor seating along LaGrange, 14 on‑site parking spaces and up to 11 stacking spaces behind the building. "Staff finds the proposal meets the minimum code requirements," the planning presenter said while recommending approval with conditions tied to standard plat and engineering reviews.

The petitioner, Krupa Shah, said she operates several nearby Dunkin' locations and that this would be her first drive‑through‑only store. Architect Eric Carlson described site features including a back‑of‑site drive‑through lane, detention on the rear of the lot and a cross‑access connection to the adjacent Providence Bank and Trust parking lot to reduce curb cuts onto LaGrange.

Commissioners pressed staff and the petitioner on vehicle circulation, the possibility that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) could deny a right‑in/right‑out curb cut on LaGrange, and how cross‑access would be protected if the bank property were sold. Commissioner Fenton said he was "concerned about the — when you come out of your drive‑through, you have to cut across the parking lot for where the cars are coming in and going out," and asked if staff had addressed sight‑lines and signage.

Engineering staff said the petitioner revised plans to include a stop bar and a "cross traffic does not stop" sign; engineering found that change appropriate to the site configuration. The petitioner and architect said the cross‑access arrangement will be incorporated into the plat so access remains recorded with the property and cannot be removed without agreement of the parties.

Commissioner Schuessler asked why the regional core district requires buildings to convey a two‑story presence; planning staff replied that the comprehensive plan favors scale and presence along the LaGrange corridor to support a robust streetscape. Commissioners also asked where a cash‑in‑lieu payment of $9,200 would be directed; staff said it goes to the village tree‑planting fund managed by public works.

After questions and brief discussion, Commissioner Schuessler moved to approve the staff‑recommended action for case 2026‑0074; Commissioner Fenton seconded and the commission voted in favor. The commission also noted the Factory Motor Parts petition was continued and would be re‑noticed.

Next steps include final engineering review and any required approvals from IDOT for curb access; the approved subdivision and site plan will be recorded and the petitioner may proceed with permit applications subject to compliance with the conditions of approval.